Shari Sussman

Age: 52

Profession: Teacher

Number of Years as a Survivor: 1+ year

Relationship to Susan G. Komen: Race participant

My name is Shari and I am a breast cancer survivor. I never thought I would get breast cancer. After all, when my sister was diagnosed a few years ago at an early stage 1, I was told that it didn’t run in our family. However, much to my surprise, after a routine mammogram my doctors found a suspicious area that needed to be looked at. After further tests I was told it was nothing to be worried about. A year later, my mammogram came back fine again. However due to my family history, I was asked to have an MRI done…and it changed my life. After that, everything happened so quickly. I ended up having a double mastectomy followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy. Though I was scared and often hesitant, I made the decision that I was going to beat breast cancer. And though the process was the most trying experience of my life, I went in as a warrior.

The support I had from my family, friends and colleagues kept me going. In January 2014 I had my last round of chemo on my birthday. In 2015, to celebrate the anniversary of my last chemo treatment, I ran the Disney Dopey challenge, which was a total of 48.6 miles. I have also completed 12 5Ks, 3 10Ks, 14 half marathons and 1 full marathon. Though I have many scars to show for the last couple of years of my life, I consider them my badges of honor.

I have been a supporter of Susan G. Komen since my sister was first diagnosed in 2009. The color pink, to me, represents a strong community of supporters and I truly believe that together, we can end breast cancer.